Only eye candy.
A while back, my blogging buddy Capra commented on a building in a photo I’d posted.
I made a mental note and promised myself I’d return to shoot a few more photos for him.
Not only did I have my camera for yesterday’s downtown stroll but the sun broke free of the perpetual gray shroud for a rare surprise appearance in late afternoon and it was just his birthday! Is that fortuitous fortune or what?!? So Cap, these pics are for you!
Built in 1887 by Tacoma’s first practicing physician, Henry Bostwick, the Bostwick Building, on St. Helens Avenue in the heart of the old Theater District, was a fine hotel in its day. The historically preserved structure has lost its former luster and now stands as somewhat derelict apartment lodgings in an area that too has seen better days. Still, there is no squelching its unique character.
Occupying the ground floor is a Tully’s coffee, which houses an old piano. Once I sat listening to a customer play. It was really lovely and fitting too.
We really got lucky with the afternoon sun and light.
Many many have walked the interior halls and the presence of some lingers, it’s reported. Our feathered friends pay their visits too.
A glance now toward the Bostwick’s sunny (west) side:
Do you know what time it is? (don’t be misled by the inoperative clock)
Why, it’s time for me and Bostwick’s mechanical owl to wish my longtime blogging buddy a happy birthday from America!
And may your coming year be …
Barefoot Blogger 
May 17, 2011 @ 15:00:36
I love that building! Thank you for sharing these photographs!
May 17, 2011 @ 16:34:31
Gorgeous building. Thanks from me, too. 🙂
May 18, 2011 @ 17:10:53
Love this building. It has a sinuous movement – like a mammoth Victorian snake moving down the street.
And that heavenly lighting! Exactly the time when the sun is thinking that his day is done and that it’s time he was setting.
May 18, 2011 @ 18:49:18
@aubrey – I can’t emphasis enough the fortuitous timing of (a) the sunlight, when most typically we have none at all and (b) the sun’s position so to cast that light and shadow. Old downtown has such striking and interesting structures made infinitely more pleasing to the eye and senses in those infrequent times when the sun is out …
May 22, 2011 @ 06:57:58
Thank you so much for this. I really like how the photos make the building stand out.
May 23, 2011 @ 14:01:24
@Capra – You’re welcome!
May 23, 2011 @ 18:41:09
By the way, on a whim, I just did a little search on this Ryan Mello and found this interesting tidbit.
http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/entertainment/guides/2010/03/Tacomas-Most-Sexy-Political-Figure-Ryan-Mello/
The Conspiracy grows!
May 24, 2011 @ 11:31:39
@Capra – Thanks for googling the Mello man; I’d intended to myself and then it got moved to the back burner. Gee whiz, I’ve been to a city council meeting. You’d think I’d remember a handsome face like that!!
May 25, 2011 @ 03:39:30
Of course, taken into account this photo has probably been photoshopped, spindoctored and focus-grouped to death, or maybe it was taken before his soul was sucked by the political life… 🙂
May 25, 2011 @ 11:40:28
@Capra – Oh, I don’t get that impression from my readings about the Mello man that he’s a soulless politician. Additionally, Tacoma city council is small potatoes; a seat doesn’t necessitate signing a pact with the devil, or even the devil’s helpers.
May 26, 2011 @ 02:38:31
I’m sure that’s what they about Anakin Skywalker before he became Darth Vader! LOL
Apr 27, 2012 @ 09:20:15
alley cat, I referred to your post in my post today–linky-looed it too! Beautiful pics of one of my favorite parts of town. 🙂
Apr 27, 2012 @ 10:40:02
@Jen – Thank you so much! Old downtown Tacoma certainly has its visual delights – even if living in the town’s depressing as hell. 🙂 Thanks again!